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Digital Nomad Destinations in Central America
Do you know that you can work and have fun in some amazing places in Central America? Check out these top places for digital nomads and get ready for a fun trip!
Jaco, Costa Rica
- Internet Speed: download — 55.96 Mbps; upload — 10.45 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $1,398; family of four estimated — $3,205.
Jaco is a cool place for digital nomads who like to surf and have fun! It’s a cozy beach town and only 2 hours away from San José. You can meet lots of people here, including locals and tourists who work online too!
Jaco, Costa Rica is a place where digital nomads can easily stay connected with their companies from anywhere in the world. It’s located in a great spot with an excellent climate and time zone. Plus, there are lots of flights and fun things to do, making it a top choice for remote workers!
Jaco is a cool place for digital nomads who like to surf and have fun! Photo: Jorge A. Russell / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Neo Fauna CR: this wildlife conservation area is located in a secluded area of the wilderness and has a strong focus on preserving and breeding endangered species.
- Royal Butterflies: it is situated close to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, beside a stunning river, and is committed to conserving a variety of plants while offering a unique experience.
- Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls: It offers nature trails, streams, and a view of the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
- Jaco Beach: Jaco is renowned for its surfing, beaches, and nightlife, while the Central Pacific Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and convenient location near the San Jose international airport.
- Tico Pod Art House & Gifts: the Costa Rican boutique sells handmade products and gifts by local artisans. Visitors can peruse jewelry, pottery, and textiles and take workshops on traditional crafting skills.
The Central Pacific Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and convenient location near the San Jose international airport. Photo: Jorge A. Russell / Shutterstock.com
Panama City, Panama
- Internet Speed: download — 17.83 Mbps; upload — 13.71 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $1,850; family of four estimated — $3,630.
Panama City is a fantastic spot for digital nomads because of its superfast internet! In fact, it has the quickest internet in Central America, with a download speed of 94.76 Mbps and an upload speed of 14.18 Mbps. In Panama City, digital nomads can find various long-term housing options at low monthly rates. El Cangrejo, Bella Vista, and San Francisco are just some of the most common destinations for remote workers.
Panama City is a fantastic spot for digital nomads because of its superfast internet! Photo: Gualberto Becerra / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- The Panama Canal: it is a massive engineering feat that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can take tours to see the canal in action and learn about its history.
- The Biomuseo: it has eight galleries for permanent exhibits, as well as a public atrium, temporary exhibit space, a gift store, and a coffee shop.
- Einstein’s Head: in 1968, the local Jewish community donated a beautiful monument that was created by Panamanian artist Carlos Arboleda.
- Casco Viejo: it features colonial architecture, charming streets, and lively nightlife.
- Soberania National Park: it is the closest national park to Panama City and offers a wealth of outdoor activities.
The Panama Canal is a massive engineering feat that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Photo: Solarisys / Shutterstock.com
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
- Internet Speed: download — 58.43 Mbps; upload — 10.23 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $1,398; family of four estimated — $3,205.
Puerto Viejo is a popular spot for digital nomads, even though it’s a little far away. You can find places to stay on Airbnb with fast internet and hotels with reliable connections. This means you can have fun exploring the Caribbean coast and nearby wildlife refuges while still being able to work. You might even see some amazing animals while you’re here!
Is Costa Rica safe to travel to? The most recent revision to the World Peace Index named this country the region’s safest nation. It has the lowest violent crime rate and the most stable government of any Central American nation.
You can have fun exploring the Caribbean coast and nearby wildlife refuges while still being able to work. Photo: Simon Dannhauer / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Chocorart: the company provides a Chocolate Tour that offers an inside look into the process of growing and caring for cacao trees, as well as harvesting cacao pods.
- Playa Punta Uva: the white sand beach, encircled by palm trees and crystal clear water, is a must-see destination, as is the adjacent small coastal town.
- Finca La Isla: this farm and botanical garden has been cultivating organic pepper and cacao for an extended period, in addition to over 150 other tropical fruits and decorative plants.
- Playa Puerto Viejo: it is well-known for its cacao, which flourishes on the Caribbean side of the country.
- Caribeans Coffee & Chocolate: it offers daily tours of their farm and factory, freshly roasted coffee, delectable breakfast and lunch options, fresh fruit smoothies, and complimentary chocolate tastings.
Playa Punta Uva is the white sand beach, encircled by palm trees and crystal clear water, is a must-see destination. Photo: Simon Dannhauer / Shutterstock.com
Mexico City, Mexico
- Internet Speed: download — 26.55 Mbps; upload — 10.90 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $1,621; family of four estimated — $3,091.
It has fast Wi-Fi and many places to work with other remote workers. It’s also not expensive to live here, compared to other big cities. There is a wide variety of places to stay, from cheap dorms to opulent penthouses. The cost of dining out is modest, with numerous inexpensive eateries and street stalls available. And because it’s such a big city, there are always new things to discover and have fun with – so you’ll never feel bored!
Because it’s such a big city, there are always new things to discover and have fun with – so you’ll never feel bored! Photo: marketa1982 / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Metropolitan Cathedral: a historic cathedral located in the heart of Mexico City
- Chapultepec Park: a large urban park that houses several museums, a zoo, a castle, and recreational areas.
- National Palace: an iconic government building in Mexico City that has served as the official residence of the President of Mexico since the 16th century.
- Palace of Fine Arts: a stunning cultural center in Mexico City that hosts a variety of artistic performances and exhibits.
- TemploMayor: it showcases the ruins of a pre-Columbian Aztec temple.
National Palace: an iconic government building in Mexico City that has served as the official residence of the President of Mexico since the 16th century. Photo: R.M. Nunes / Shutterstock.com
Digital Nomad Destinations in Europe
If you’re a digital nomad seeking adventure and inspiration, Europe has a lot to offer. From bustling cities to scenic towns and charming villages, here are some of the best destinations to consider for your next remote work journey.
Paris, France
- Internet Speed: download — 75.73 Mbps; upload — 9.23 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $3,303; family of four estimated — $5,490.
Many digital nomads choose Paris as their base of operations, despite the city’s higher cost of living compared to others in France. The internet in Paris is lightning fast. This is an excellent location for both creative thinking and productive activity. You may work in comfort and efficiency thanks to the abundance of shared office spaces and high-quality internet access.
Paris is an excellent location for both creative thinking and productive activity. Photo: Framalicious / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Versailles Palace: it is a grand château located just outside of Paris, known for its opulent architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Seine River: it flows through the heart of Paris, offering scenic boat tours and picturesque views of the city.
- Montmartre and Sacré Coeur: the basilica, situated two hundred meters above the Seine River, offers a panoramic view of the entire city of Paris and its suburbs from its dome.
- Luxembourg Garden: it is a 60-acre park in the heart of the Left Bank, offering various amenities such as fountains, sculptures, ponds, playgrounds, and food kiosks.
- Arc de Triomphe: it is a famous monument in Paris that honors those who fought for France.
Versailles Palace is a grand château located just outside of Paris, known for its opulent architecture and beautiful gardens. Photo: DaLiu / Shutterstock.com
Lyon, France
- Internet Speed: download — 61.46 Mbps; upload — 8.08 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $2,170; family of four estimated — $4,159.
Lyon is an excellent place for creative digital nomads like musicians, artists, and writers! It’s an artsy city with lots of history. Plus, if you love food, you’ll be in heaven – Lyon is famous for its fantastic cuisine! There’s so much to do here, from checking out Roman ruins to going out at night. And if you need to work, there are plenty of coworking spaces around the city.
Lyon is an excellent place for creative digital nomads like musicians, artists, and writers; i’s an artsy city with lots of history. Photo: Aurelien Laforet / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière: the architecture is uniquely inspired by Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque styles.
- Vieux Lyon: a secretive and mysterious district that can only be discovered behind closed doors, where hidden passageways called “traboules” allowed people to pass discreetly from one street to another without exiting the building.
- Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: it is a top indoor food market in the city with 50+ vendors and multiple bars and restaurants, known as a “heaven for foodies.”
- Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon: near Place des Terreaux, it’s in a former 17th-18th century Benedictine convent.
- Colline de Fourvière: crafted by Joseph-Hugues Fabisch in 1852, there is a golden statue of Mary within it.
Vieux Lyon is a secretive and mysterious district that can only be discovered behind closed doors, where hidden passageways called “traboules” allowed people to pass discreetly from one street to another without exiting the building. Photo: ColorMaker / Shutterstock.com
Lisbon, Portugal
- Internet Speed: download — 86.53 Mbps; upload — 14.72 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $1,983; family of four estimated — $3,718.
Working remotely has never been easier in Lisbon, Portugal! With sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, inspiration and motivation are always nearby. Plus, there are many cafes and public places with reliable internet, perfect for staying connected while working. And after a long day, relax on the beach or enjoy delicious Portuguese food and wine.
With sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, inspiration and motivation are always nearby. Photo: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Portas do Sol Viewpoint: the name (“Gate of the Sun”) serves as a reminder that it offers the prime location to view the sunrise.
- Jerónimos Monastery: this 16th-century monastery is a must-see wonder in Lisbon and was among the earliest monuments in Europe to be designated as a World Heritage Site.
- Belém Tower: initially built as a defense structure for the city, the Tower of St. Vincent, also known as St. Vincent’s Tower, was later repurposed as a lighthouse and customs office.
- St. George’s Castle: it has been a fortified site for Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.
- Parque das Nações: one of the most iconic landmarks in the area is the Vasco da Gama Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Europe, which connects the Parque das Nações to the other side of the Tagus River.
The name of Portas do Sol Viewpoint (“Gate of the Sun”) serves as a reminder that it offers the prime location to view the sunrise. Photo: Nuno Valente Photography / Shutterstock.com
Barcelona, Spain
- Internet Speed: download — 55.59 Mbps; upload — 12.16 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $2,049; family of four estimated — $3,864.
Barcelona is a great place to work and play. Many people from different countries live there, including many who work online. They love to explore the city and work from cozy cafes or other places with good Wi-Fi. About one-fifth of the people living in the city come from different countries. Many of these people are digital nomads who love to travel and work remotely.
Many people from different countries live there and love to work from cozy cafes or other places with good Wi-Fi. Photo: Catarina Belova / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Sagrada Familia: a famous example of Antoni Gaudí’s unique style, which blends Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism, and Spanish Late Gothic design.
- Montjuic: Montjuïc Mountain’s peak, standing at 173 meters above sea level, features Montjuïc Castle, strategically located for defense with its 360º views of the surrounding area.
- Gothic Quarter: at night, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona transforms into a lively street party that hops between dive bars, dance clubs, and cocktail lounges.
- Barceloneta: Barceloneta is a great option if you want to be close to the beach and the attractions in the center of Barcelona.
- Font Magica: Barcelona’s largest ornamental fountain was constructed in 1929 for the International Exhibition. It provides a magnificent show of music, water acrobatics, and lights, creating more than 50 different shades and hues.
Sagrada Familia is a famous example of Antoni Gaudí’s unique style. Photo: dimbar76 / Shutterstock.com
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Internet Speed: download — 75.63 Mbps; upload — 17.76 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $643; family of four estimated — $1,705.
Plovdiv is the perfect place for digital nomads who love a unique, creative, and tech-savvy environment. Every week, fun networking events are hosted in cafes and co-working spaces. People love going out for drinks and dinner every night, and on weekends, the party goes on until dawn! Don’t miss the Creative District, known as Kapana, for an unforgettable experience in Bulgaria.
Don’t miss the Creative District, known as Kapana, for an unforgettable experience in Bulgaria. Photo: altanakin / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Plovdiv Old Town: it is famous for its ancient Roman Theater, charming Old Town with winding cobblestone streets, scenic location on seven hills, and the longest pedestrian street in Europe.
- Ethnographic Museum: it focuses on the development of ethnology and preservation of cultural treasures from Bulgaria’s past.
- Park Tsar Simeon: the garden is a recreational area suitable for walking, inline skating, and cycling.
- Art Gallery Philippopolis: it features a wide range of art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and other events throughout the year, showcasing both local and international talent.
- Kapana suberb: this new area attracts mostly young people due to its numerous restaurants and cafes. The colorful buildings adorned with amazing graffiti add to the cool ambiance.
Park Tsar Simeon is a recreational area suitable for walking, inline skating, and cycling. Photo: Fotokon / Shutterstock.com
Budapest, Hungary
- Internet Speed: download — 50.85 Mbps; upload — 15.44 Mbps.
- Cost of living per month: single person estimated — $1,394; family of four estimated — $2,991.
Hungary has a visa for digital nomads called the White Card, which lets you legally work and live in Hungary. Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is an affordable city with beautiful parks, natural thermal baths, and the scenic Danube River, making it a great choice for digital nomads and expats.
Budapes is an affordable city with beautiful parks, natural thermal baths, and the scenic Danube River, making it a great choice for digital nomads and expats. Photo: ZGPhotography / Shutterstock.com
Top Attractions
- Buda Castle: once a medieval royal residence located in the Castle District, served as both an important cultural and scientific center.
- Hungarian State Opera House: this institution is bustling with more than 200 operas per year, along with a wide range of educational programs, ballet, and musical theatre.
- Vajdahunyad Castle: because of its Gothic architecture, the castle was once rumored to be the residence of Count Dracula.
- Great Market Hall: this is Budapest’s oldest and largest indoor market.
- Kőbánya Caves: it’s the biggest cellar complex in the country.
Hungarian State Opera House is bustling with more than 200 operas per year, along with a wide range of educational programs, ballet, and musical theatre. Photo: Mitzo / Shutterstock.com
Overall, the greatest places for digital nomads to find a balance of cultural immersion, convenience, low living costs, and consistent internet access can be found in Europe and Central America. These areas provide a wide range of possibilities, from the exciting nightlife of Berlin and Lisbon to the relaxing beaches of Costa Rica and Panama. The rise of remote work has made it possible for people to be “digital nomads,” or work from anywhere in the world while still advancing professionally. These locations provide the ideal balance of work and leisure for digital nomads, whether you’re seeking for a new experience or just a change of scenery.
